Liquid chamber reinforcement in contact with filter

Abstract

A printhead includes a liquid manifold. A filter is in fluid communication with the liquid manifold. A nozzle plate includes a length and an array of nozzles extending along the length of the nozzle plate. A liquid chamber is positioned between the nozzle plate and the filter. The liquid chamber is in fluid communication with the array of nozzles and the filter and includes a width that is substantially perpendicular to the length of the nozzle plate. The liquid chamber includes a structure that is spaced apart from the nozzle plate and in contact with the filter. The structure spans the width of the liquid chamber and includes a plurality of flow through channels. A liquid source provides a liquid through the manifold, the filter, the liquid chamber under pressure sufficient to jet individual streams of the liquid from the array of nozzles.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A printhead comprising:
 a liquid manifold; 
 a filter in fluid communication with the liquid manifold; 
 a nozzle plate including a length and an array of nozzles extending along the length of the nozzle plate; 
 a liquid chamber positioned between the nozzle plate and the filter, the liquid chamber being in fluid communication with the array of nozzles and the filter, the liquid chamber including a width that is substantially perpendicular to the length of the nozzle plate, the liquid chamber including a structure that is distinct from the filter and the nozzle plate, the structure being spaced apart from the nozzle plate and in contact with the filter, the structure spanning the width of the liquid chamber and including a plurality of flow through channels; and 
 a liquid source that provides a liquid through the manifold, the filter, the liquid chamber under pressure sufficient to jet individual streams of the liquid from the array of nozzles. 
 
     
     
       2. The printhead of  claim 1 , the liquid chamber including a port positioned substantially downstream relative to the structure included in the liquid chamber. 
     
     
       3. The printhead of  claim 2 , the port being a first port, the liquid manifold including a second port, the first port being positioned at a first end of the array of nozzles, the second port being positioned at a second end of the array of nozzles. 
     
     
       4. The printhead of  claim 1 , wherein the filter includes a rib structure. 
     
     
       5. The printhead of  claim 4 , wherein the structure of the liquid chamber is in contact with the rib structure of the filter. 
     
     
       6. The printhead of  claim 1 , wherein the nozzles of the nozzle array include a nozzle orifice in fluid communication with a flow channel.